Right along the commercialized main road of Sucat in Parañaque is an oasis not many know it’s there. Its facade is typical of Bio Research pet shops—you’d think the place is just one huge pet warehouse—but inside is a four-hectare garden of plants and animals.

I first heard of Lost Eden from my friend Jayvee, a fellow animal-lover. I honestly had a few reservations about going all the way to Parañaque to check out the place. Unlike him, I’m not an avid fish hobbyist (I prefer animals with fur, specifically dogs). But my husband Marc is. So together with our friend Juned (who also happens to be a huge fish fan like the two), we set forth on a day of nature tripping and pet shopping in the South’s hidden oasis. More…

Every 9th of January, thousands of devotees join in the procession of the Black Nazarene to Quiapo Church, celebrating the Black Nazarene’s Feast Day and commemorating the “Translacion” or the transfer of the image to its present shrine in Quiapo.

The Black Nazarene is a life-sized wooden sculpture of Jesus Christ. But what makes it unique is its dark color—which was said to have been originally white, but darkened in color when the boat that was carrying the image caught fire. Its long history dates back to the time when an anonymous Aztec carver made the image and a galleon transported it from Mexico. More…